I make my offers based on numbers and I will not put myself in a position to where someone else has control over what I end up paying for a property.

With people still coming back, (parents that stay in the city they left Katrina for while their children finished high school... people like my mother) i can say that with the distressed home and steadily rising market I see positive growth potential.I am flat broke... but I have been helping my grandparents and living with them during my college years... so i am not this lazy kid who wants to make it over night.

This can leave you in a vulnerable position, or make it tough to find a contractor to work with you.

-Calculating expenses (I read an article about being able to calculate them on a napkin to estimate positive or negative cash flow), but I do not know where to find these numbers, including HOA costs, utilities and whatnot, mortgage, vacancies, etc.

-Calculating expenses (I read an article about being able to calculate them on a napkin to estimate positive or negative cash flow), but I do not know where to find these numbers, including HOA costs, utilities and whatnot, mortgage, vacancies, etc.

I have a couple of leads on positions with companies after graduation.

I guess I was going for a positive sounding name.

What should I include in that letter and what information should I demand from them, such as what is their evidence that the roof is not maintained. 1) Based on the information provided what is your assessment of the HOA position and who would prevail in court?

If the result is positive (in other words, greater than your zero investment) that means your getting something out of this property.

Lots of great info here.One of your bigger challenges is going to be finding your way in real estate, since it's such a large topic, and ultimately being able to focus on something that really interests you to the point of taking steps towards it and ultimately positive action.There are many real estate investment clubs in the LA/SoCal area that you hear speakers discuss their experiences investing as well as meet fellow investors who'll offer feedback.